Japan sends endangered red-crown cranes to Taiwan (AP)

TAIPEI, Taiwan – A Japanese nature reserve is sending a pair of endangered red-crown cranes to Taiwan in a gesture of friendship.

The Taipei Zoo says the cranes will arrive Wednesday. The zoo plans to display the birds at an enclosure featuring plants and a pond to simulate the swamps that constitute their natural habitat.

Taipei Zoo spokesman Chao Ming-chieh said Tuesday that Japan is sending the birds to thank Taiwan for the relief efforts it mounted after March's devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

Japan has about 900 red-crown cranes, more than any other country. The birds are native to northeast Asia but were hunted to near extinction for their feathers.

Cranes are considered a symbol of longevity and represent good luck in both China and Japan.

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